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Hilary Metcalf
How to say 'acquired taste"?
I was just talking to a Japanese friend about 'acquired tastes'. we agreed that 納豆 in Japan, and Vegemite in Australia probably fit this category - but couldn't figure out what 'acquired taste' translates to in Japanese. Any suggestions?
In case my meaning isn't clear, 'acquired taste' means a food/drink that has a very distinctive taste/texture/smell that, while some people come to love it, many others find disgusting.
Oct 12, 2015 5:17 AM
Answers · 16
2
It was an interesting question!
So, although Orsinia-san has already answered you beautifully, I worked out another expression.
なっとうは、「なれる(慣れる)とクセ(癖)になる」食べ物かもしれません。
Natto could be addictive when a person gets used to it.
October 12, 2015
2
It’s hard to find a specific word exactly fit for “acquired taste.”
My dictionary says like; acquired taste: 次第に好きになる味 (taste you come to like it gradually.)
I know that is not what you want. :)
I'd like to try to show you some examples:
わたしはだんだん納豆の**味がわかる**ようになりました。
I have acquired a taste for natto.
香菜は**好きな人にはわかる味**です。
Coriander leaf is an acquired taste. (cf. Many Japanese dislike its flavor.)
アイリッシュウィスキーは**大人の味**です。
Irish whisky is an acquired taste.
梅干しは私には**慣れ親しんだ味**です。 (なれしたしんだ)
Umeboshi, a kind of awfully sour pickled plum, is an acquired taste for me.
(I’ve gotten used to taste umeboshi and love it now.)
Could this help you a bid?
October 12, 2015
I couldn't find any good translations but Orsinia-san did it perfectlly. I learned from your question and her answer, thank you so much!
October 12, 2015
I am lookin' at you nattō...
October 12, 2015
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Hilary Metcalf
Language Skills
English, Japanese
Learning Language
Japanese
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